Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1887-07-24
THE RACE FIZZLES
HAHLAH AID GAUDlUR'S CONTEST.
The Ex-ChampiOn an Easy Winusr-A Poor
Crowd.
GAUDAUR MISTAKES fHB COURSE.
A Finish in the Dark-RumorS That II Was
3 Give Away.

PULLMAN, ILL, July 2a-Probab)y the
greatest fizzle of . boat race ever rowed IN
the West was the one here this afternoon,
in which Edward Hanlan nominally de-
feateA Jacob Gaudaur. It has been an
nounced that the contest would be for the
championship Of America, 81. 200 q side,
and to each of the participants slice OF
the receipts at the gate. In addition 1t
was expected the result would definitely
decide whether Hanlan, whom many poo
pie still believed the worlds greatest oars-
man, had virtually closed his career. The
race settled nothing and was in no particular
a success, not even in the matter Of gate re
ceipts About twelve hunpred people only
were present instead Of the 8, OOO or l0,OOO
expected. These who stayed away had
cause to congratulate themselves, for the
whole affair was characterized by execra.
BILE management 10 say nothing Of the sus-
picion that the race itself partook Of the
nature Of hippodrome. Like the last
contest between, the two men, to-day's
race WAS rowed under peculiar conditions.
Their race on Decoration Day took place vi
the midst ola binding rain that prevented
a close watch being kept. To day y
rowed in the dark and watcbir-
kind was impossible. When IL
ished in front Of the grand stand
was a quarter Of mile awayt
middle of the lake. No one on ali,
see him and rumors Of all kinds "
yalent, some believing that he ht
capsized, while Others thought hN
given up and had been taken aboaA
press boat
At last when everybody was famh ~
and Disguised, Referee Alexander Harper.
of the Pullman Athletic Club, declare,
that he would wait no longer and that
Gaudaur must row or the race would be
given to Hanlan. At the outset Gaudaur
took the lead and was half length
ahead as long as the pair could be seen
from the press boat. That WAS scarcely
more than third Of the course, for the
smoke of the tugs and the darkness speed
ily hid them from view Both were pull
ing thirty-four strokes TO the minute. They
had tui ned the stakes and were nearly half
way 10 the line before the wretched tub
provided ~ press boat, again allowed
sight of the oarsmen. Hanlan was eight
or ten boat lengths ahead Of Gaudaur, who
was astonishingly wide Of the course, aud
kept 80 notwithstanding friendly shouts
from the reporters. At this juncture
Gaudaur spurted in way that showed
he could have won if lac chose, but though
finishing on about equal terms with Han
Ian ~ near ~ could he Judged, he was dis
qualified by his position aud the race given
to Hanlnn. After the contest was over
Mr.. ST. John, the hpcker Of Gaudar stated
that he had told Gaudaur 10 20 out and
lose the race. Mr.. st. John explained
that he did this knowing that Gaudaur
could not afford to attempt TO win when
the agreement was not complied with and
the water was 80 much in favor Of Hanlan.
Mr.. ST. John said he would allow the race
awarded TO Hanlan without struggle,
only that he wished 10 satisfy tho people
by showing them something for their
money.